Florida firms sign Dh653m deals

Around 35 companies from the US state of Florida have signed deals worth Dh653 million ($178 million) over the past few months, said Enterprise Florida Inc. (EFI), an organisation consisting of US state’s businesses and government leaders.

Around 24 life science companies from Florida signed Dh407 million ($111 million) contracts at Arab Health 2014 held in Dubai on January 27-30, 2014. While Dubai Airshow also resulted in more than Dh246 million ($67 million) in expected sales for 11 Florida aviation and aerospace businesses, EFI said.

Florida companies have been attending the Arab Health show for nearly a decade and had the largest state pavilion this year.

Florida has a very extensive life sciences sector, and the state is serious about strengthening its position as a leader in the industry,” said Florida Secretary Swoope.

“We want to help Florida’s life science companies grow and Arab Health gives participating companies the exposure needed to maintain success in Florida and expand their export sales.”

The Florida pavilion at Arab Health exhibited 24 life science companies with various specialties, including ventilators, infusion pumps, syringe pumps, electrosurgical equipment, surgical sutures, patient monitoring systems, and defibrillator monitors.

The Middle East is an expanding market with substantial opportunities for Florida companies to increase their exports. The show hosted more than 3,900 exhibitors from 64 countries with 38 dedicated country pavilions. The visitor numbers surpassed 81,000 attendees this year, Enterprise Florida Inc. said.

“Digicare Biomedical Technology’s presence at Arab Health was a huge success due to the assistance we received from Enterprise Florida. Exhibiting in the Florida Pavilion distinguished Digicare as a US manufacturer and drew more visitors to our booth. We had well over 100 visitors which will generate into new distributors in the Middle East.  We expect to develop long term relationships with these companies increasing our international sales. Enterprise Florida’s help is vital in helping small companies like Digicare become successful,” said Eduardo Miranda, President of Digicare Biomedical Technology.

“We generated a lot of interest as a result of the show from possible customers, giving us a great opportunity for increased revenue. In addition, receiving a grant from Enterprise Florida allowed us to invest in the growth of our business. Overall, participating in Arab Health with Enterprise Florida has been a complete success for our company,” said Amanda Felix, President and CEO of US DEFIB MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES. Based in Medley, US DEFIB makes defibrillator monitors.

EFI maintains an extensive schedule of overseas trade missions and exhibitions worldwide.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.